Mary Jane Nixon

Mary Jane (Denny) Nixon of Danville, IL and formerly of Kingman, IN passed away April 10, 2015 at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis.

She was a pioneer of open heart surgery in 1965 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio at a time when there were only 3 hospitals in the United States performing them. By giving back, Mary had her corneas donated.

Born to the late Lowell R and Thelma (Ginn) Denny on November 9, 1947 in Lebanon, IN; Mary started school at Washington Twp. in Boone Co. IN. The family moved to Thorntown, IN in 1956. She graduated from Thorntown High School in 1966.

Mary was married in 1965 in Thorntown to the late Edwin Keith Price. They divorced in 1970. She married Larry Vestal and they later divorced. Her husband Richard Nixon preceded her in death in 2008.

Mary loved welding and worked for Estad Mfg, FMC, and Master Guard. She also spent much of her time crocheting afghans and making Barbie doll clothes for her family and friends. At Easter she made special bunnies from water jugs, crochet them, and filled with goodies for family.

Surviving are three children, Kenneth Edward Price, Jennifer Marie Vestal, and John Patrick Vestal, all of Danville, IL; three step daughters, Missy (Vestal) Smith, Rae Ann (Vestal) Smith and Rikki Nixon; one step son, Rick Nixon Jr; eight grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Buddy Denny Sr. (Companion-Ginny Greene) of Kingman, IN; twin sisters, Roberta (Dave) Cornett of Frankfort, IN and Alberta (Kenny) Burress, of Lebanon, IN; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a brother, Darrell Denny, and an infant niece.

Cremation was chosen with a visitation on Saturday, April 18 from 11am till time of memorial service at 1pm at Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, in Kingman, IN 47952. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Sanders Funeral Care to help with final expenses. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com